40+ Best Indian Side Dishes

Looking for authentic and delicious Indian Side Dishes? Here is a collection of Vegetarian side dishes recipes, including spicy chutneys, raitas, curries, snacks, and rice, that will complement your Indian main course.

An Indian lunch/dinner is usually served with many courses, including appetizers, main courses, sides, and sweets, providing a well-rounded experience.

Even though they are all varied and unique, all of the Indian meals provide seasonal and local delicacies and highlight various cooking methods that contribute to the distinctiveness of each particular regional cuisine.

However, what remains constant are the side dishes that make the whole cooking experience one-of-a-kind. Chutney, papad, raita, achaar, roti, and naan are a few well-known Indian accompaniments you must try! To know more about these dishes, read below.

40+ Indian Vegetarian Side Dishes

Let's have a look at some of the popular Indian vegetarian side recipes from all over India that will delight your taste buds while having an Indian Meal.

Raita, Chutney, Pickle & Salads

Raita is a staple of practically every Indian thali and helps to clear your palate so that the flavors of your food pop. It can be done in several ways. Some prefer it just as it is, while others want to add extras like boondi, pineapple, mango, cucumber, roasted cumin, mixed veggies, and more. No matter how you try raita, it will surely be a hit.

Chutney on its own will make your food seem better. With rice, roti, paratha, idli, dosa, or even bread, this Indian side dish enhances the flavor of your meal like nothing else can. We have a wide variety of chutney recipes, check them out.

Indian Salads

Desi salads are often served as a refreshing side dish in an Indian meal. Indian salad will leave you feeling full and healthy contrast to the spiciness of many Indian dishes.

Indian Snacks

Indian munchies are too good to refuse. Indian snacks are wonderful, whether they are crisp samosas, onion pakodas, aloo pakoras, gol gappa, or spicy bhel puri. A few toppings, hot tea, and chutney go great with them.

Indian Breads

Indian food offers a vast array of regional specialties, each with a unique variety of breads to go with the meal. Every Indian state has a unique recipe for making their bread. For instance, North Indians love naan, paratha, and more. Similarly, South Indians are die-hard fans of parotta, chapati, dosa, and more. 

Vegetable Stir-fries (Bhaji)

Vegetable stir-fries, known as bhaji, including dishes like aloo gobi, potato masala, and bharwa bhindi, are popular side dishes made by sautéing or frying vegetables with spices and herbs. They complement the main course perfectly.

Dals

Dal is a quintessential Indian dish made from lentils, and often served as a side dish with curries. It is one of the most common foods in Indian homes. It's fast, simple, and packed with protein. It is versatile and pairs perfectly with rice or Indian Bread.

Rice

Steamed rice is a staple side dish in every Indian household. No matter which region you are from, rice as a side dish is mandatory in every Indian thali. The best part? You can prepare rice in a plethora of ways. Starting from the humble jeera rice, and khichdi to the extravagant biryani, pulao, and more, the list is endless. 

Sweets

Indian sweets are hard to resist! From the juicy aamras to shrikhand, and more, the list is endless, leaving us spoilt for choices. Aamras is a sweet originating from the Maharashtra region. It is well paired as a side dish with crispy puffed puri. Trust us, it’s a match made in heaven!

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